A Support And Educational Blog for Parents with Hurting and Troubled Teens

Starting Anew in 2017!

For many of us parents with teens and young adults who struggle and hurting throughout the year, we look forward to leaving the past behind and starting anew on New Year’s Day.

This past year, for a few of my friends with teens and young adults in crisis, they have had to weather the depths of drug addiction, fight for rights in programs, sit in court praying that their child won’t be sentenced as an adult, to their youth experiencing physical violence.

A common question to God often thought out loud is, “How much more can I take?”

I can say without a doubt that every year that was tough, I got tougher. Every year I prayed, the following year I prayed harder. Every year that I thought my faith wasn’t enough, God stretched it. I am not the same parent that I was five years ago.

So when a new year comes, I always look forward to saying goodbye to the past. I can reflect on how God has brought us through some of the toughest storms. And believe me, some of those storms left tsunamis in the aftermath.

That leaves one important question – How do I survive the New Year?

Go in it with thankfulness – Remember to thank the Lord for all that He has brought you through in the wake of the crises you have endured. Give thanks that you won’t have to continue to ride the waves of crisis on your own. God is there and will always guide you through them.

Pray continuously – Pray morning, day or night. My best times are on my way to work in the car and late at night when I retire to bed. Use the Word of God as your prayers. There is great power in them. It also brings comfort as you find stories and verses that speak to your circumstances.

Stand firm in your faith – No matter how bleak the situation looks, don’t start doubting. Because if you don’t stand firm in your faith, you won’t be able to stand at all. And that my friend, is the secret to seeing God move large obstacles in your child’s life.

Recite God’s Word – The scriptures are like little prayers gifted by God in heaven. When we recite them, they resonate from our lips, within our hearts, and up to the Lord. This also breaks chains that have kept our teens/young adults captive in their crisis. The more you use God’s Word, the more you will see them set free.

Give Praise– from the little answers from prayer to the big ones. Give praise to the One that has given you hope, peace and strength. They will be an encouragement to you as you continue your walk as a parent of a hurting child.

Now that you have these in place, you will be prepared for the New Year. So go out and celebrate!

About Me!

Growing up in the Northeast, the only dreams I had for my life was to grow closer to my Heavenly Father, be happily married, and have an easy road to raising wonderful and successful children. I think God was laughing at that last part.

As you can guess, it wasn’t easy at all. In fact, it was hard. Raising teens in this world is the most difficult job to do. Even more difficult, when they become a teen in crisis.

From the darkest trials into the depths of depression, to the biggest milestones and the ultimate victories, I was able to weather the worst of storms with Christ at the helm.

My journey as a parent to a teen in crisis led me through the tsunami of issues no parent wants to be confronted with; Self-harm, suicidal tendencies, body issues, porn, abandonment and rejection, as well as PTSD. These were only the beginning waves of what was yet to come.

How does one get through these parenting struggles? Christ was my living anchor of hope and promise. He showed me how to take hold and be lifted up when I felt like I was ready to drown. Even through that very painful period, the Lord was beginning to reveal His plan and use those crisis situations for His glory.

Today, I continue God’s call on my life by sharing stories from the heart and using His Word. No more should parents feel alone and ashamed. It is time to be encouraged and uplifted. God is your Anchor of Promise – Hebrews 6:19.

Wife to my husband Dan of 34 years, I am also mom of two daughters, 2 cats and 2 dogs. My book, Turn The Tide of Emotional Turbulence: Devotions for Parents With Teens in Crisis will be out in Spring 2019.

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